Social Entrepreneurship and Mental Health Intervention: a Literature Review and Scan of Expert Perspectives

Across health and social service sectors internationally there has been a rapid uptake of social entrepreneurship (SE) as a model for developing innovative and scalable interventions. However, much less is known about its utility and use in mental health services.

This paper employs a scoping review and qualitative interviews with 27 leading social entrepreneurs working in mental health to assess the uptake of SE in the literature and to articulate this concept for mental health. The findings suggested both the potential of SE as a frame for advancing services and a paucity of research into specific processes and impacts.